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Licensed Daycare in Santa Monica, California

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Santa Monica?

Statewide averages in California run roughly $1800/month for infants and $1240/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Santa Monica?

California families can apply for CalWORKs Child Care + APP (Alternative Payment Program) (intake: (916) 651-6195). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

These childcare providers are pulled from the official state licensing database. Compare licensed capacity, age range, program type, and contact details for each location.

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$1,800/mo

California avg infant

1:4

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Santa Monica

ChildCare Aware reports the California average full-time cost at $1,800/month for infant care and $1,240/month for preschool. City-level prices in Santa Monica vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. California families may also qualify for CalWORKs Child Care + APP (Alternative Payment Program) (intake: (916) 651-6195).

Full California licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division
Infant ratio: 1:4
Toddler ratio: 1:6
Preschool ratio: 1:12
Avg capacity: 83 kids

ZIP codes covered

90405 10 90404 5 90403 5 90402 5 90401 5

Program types in Santa Monica

Licensed Group Child Care Home

3 centers

Licensed Family Daycare Home

3 centers

Licensed Child Care Center

3 centers

Infant & Toddler Center

3 centers

All Santa Monica licensed centers

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A Head Start

Active Kids Los Angeles #461

Santa Monica

2 years - 12 years Cap 110

A Montessori

Anaheim Bright Beginnings #658

Santa Monica

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 39

A Family Daycare

Anaheim Children's Place #660

Santa Monica

School Age (5+) Cap 115

A Preschool

Anaheim KinderCare #662

Santa Monica

Preschool (2-5) Cap 93

F Head Start

First Steps Long Beach #269

Santa Monica

2 years - 12 years Cap 16

G Licensed Center

Growing Minds Anaheim #659

Santa Monica

Infants & Toddlers Cap 72

H Group Care

Happy Days Anaheim Daycare #661

Santa Monica

School Age (5+) Cap 39

J Licensed Center

Jumping Jacks Sacramento #562

Santa Monica

Infants & Toddlers Cap 110

K Infant Care

Kids R Us Sacramento #560

Santa Monica

Preschool (2-5) Cap 119

L Licensed Center

Little Genius San Diego #168

Santa Monica

Infants & Toddlers Cap 101

L Infant Care

Long Beach Creative Kids #271

Santa Monica

Preschool (2-5) Cap 113

L Group Care

Long Beach Discovery Preschool #267

Santa Monica

School Age (5+) Cap 82

L Before/After School

Long Beach Little Scholars #270

Santa Monica

School Age (5+) Cap 98

L Preschool

Long Beach Stepping Stones #268

Santa Monica

Preschool (2-5) Cap 57

L Montessori

Los Angeles Childcare Academy #464

Santa Monica

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 64

Tap any card to view the full listing including the state license number, capacity, and inspection history when available.

Common parent questions about licensing, ratios, and how to compare programs in this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Santa Monica, California?

Our directory lists 25 licensed childcare centers in Santa Monica, California, sourced from California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Santa Monica?

Statewide averages in California run roughly $1800/month for infants and $1240/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Santa Monica daycares?

All licensed California centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:12 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Santa Monica typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Santa Monica?

California families can apply for CalWORKs Child Care + APP (Alternative Payment Program) (intake: (916) 651-6195). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Santa Monica daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.